Epoxy coatings are offering durable and attractive new options for commercial, industrial, and residential flooring. Epoxy flooring is nearly unequaled in durability, lasting beautifully for 15 to 30 years, depending on the specific type of coating and the quality of its installation. It is used in the toughest industrial settings, waterproof and resistant to acids and chemicals. It is seamless and non-porous, preventing the growth of mold or bacteria. It is also economical, costing from about $3.00 to $10.00 per square foot. In short, epoxy floors have almost limitless applications.
Epoxy flooring is growing in popularity for residential garage floors. Many of today’s garages serve purposes other than parking the car, making a more finished space appealing. Some garages are turned into game rooms with pool tables or ping pong tables and dart boards. Others serve as hobby areas or double as kid’s playrooms in addition to car parking. Epoxy coating provides an attractive, easy-maintenance floor that is ideal for the garage. It has the added benefit of protecting the concrete floor from oil and other chemical stains to add longer life to an untreated floor.
Other areas of the home where epoxy flooring is an excellent choice are basements, laundry rooms, and even the kitchens with many different decorative options. Choices include unlimited solid colors or combinations and patterns such as striping, squares, terrazzo or marbleized looks. The floor can be customized to create any design and work with any style. Any area that is prone to moisture is a candidate for epoxy flooring since it is waterproof, preventing water from seeping through into the substrate beneath.
Commercial and industrial uses for epoxy flooring include restaurant and hotel kitchens, sanitary hospital flooring, retail stores, warehouses, showrooms, kennels, commercial garages, office buildings, schools, and anywhere else heavy-duty floors are a requirement. Epoxy coatings are also valuable in areas that tend to get slippery and where added traction in needed, like ramps, loading docks, walkways, aisles, and more. Epoxy coatings can be used directly on top of concrete or other floor materials, including damaged floors.
Though there are do-it-yourself epoxy coatings for residential use, for the most long-lasting and beautiful results, professional application is recommended. Professional application for commercial and industrial use is always recommended. Substrate preparation is essential and proper application is something that requires practice and expertise to ensure that the epoxy floor has the look and performance to do the job expected and to last for many years of service.